Michigan Dog Bite Liability When Dog Runs Through Fence Or Jumps Over Gate

Our Michigan dog bite attorneys represent victims of dog bites and attacks. Many times, these attacks occur when a dog runs through a fence or jumps over a gate and attacks and bites a person. If the person bitten is lawfully on the property, on another property, or in the street, the owner or keeper of the dog can be held liable for the injuries under Michigan law.

Dog bites and attacks can cause significant harm to the victim and result in substantial medical bills. When there is a dog bite, the person bitten is left with a visible and disfiguring scar. These are often permanent and in conspicuous areas on a person’s body, like the face or arms. In other attacks, the dog may knock down the victim and cause serious orthopedic and other injuries.

Several Michigan dog bite laws can be used to win a settlement for the injured person. The main law is found in the Michigan dog bite statute, which provides:

M Civ JI 80.01 Dog Bite Statute—Explanation

We have a state statute that provides that the owner of a dog that bites a person without provocation while that person is [ on public property / lawfully on private property ] is liable for any damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the previous viciousness of the dog or whether the owner knew of that viciousness.

There are only a few defenses to a dog bite or attack. These include if the dog was provoked by the victim prior to the attack or if the victim was a trespasser on the dog owner’s property at the time of the attack. These defenses are rarely successful.

Our Michigan dog bite attorneys have extensive knowledge of these dog bite laws and use them to win substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you or someone you know was injured when a dog ran through a fence or jumped over a gate and bit you or a child, you should seek legal advice immediately. There are strict time deadlines for filing dog bite lawsuits in Michigan so it is important that you contact our office as soon as possible after the incident.

Call (800) 606-1717 now to speak with a Michigan dog bite lawyer or fill in the orange Get Help Now Box on this page and press “click to send.” An experienced attorney will contact you shortly to discuss your case and explain your legal rights to you.